Job 24:2
Men move boundary stones; they pasture stolen flocks.
Men move boundary stones
In ancient times, boundary stones were significant markers that delineated property lines. The Hebrew word for "boundary stones" is "גְּבוּל" (gebul), which signifies a border or limit. Moving these stones was a serious offense, as it was an act of theft and deceit, violating the commandment against stealing (Deuteronomy 19:14). This phrase highlights the moral decay and injustice present in society, where individuals blatantly disregard divine and societal laws for personal gain. It serves as a metaphor for the erosion of ethical standards, reminding us of the importance of respecting others' rights and the divine order established by God.

they pasture stolen flocks
The act of pasturing "stolen flocks" further illustrates the theme of injustice and exploitation. The Hebrew word for "stolen" is "גָּנַב" (ganab), meaning to steal or take by stealth. This phrase paints a picture of individuals who not only commit theft but also benefit from their ill-gotten gains, showing a complete lack of remorse or accountability. In a broader sense, it reflects the corruption and moral bankruptcy that can pervade a society when God's laws are ignored. The imagery of pasturing suggests a false sense of security and prosperity derived from unethical actions. This serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to uphold integrity and righteousness, trusting that true prosperity comes from obedience to God's commandments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and questions the justice of God.

2. Men
Refers to those who commit acts of injustice, specifically those who move boundary stones and steal flocks, symbolizing deceit and theft.

3. Boundary Stones
Physical markers used in ancient times to delineate property lines, representing the integrity of property rights and justice.

4. Stolen Flocks
Represents the act of theft and exploitation, highlighting the moral decay and injustice present in society.

5. Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, a region whose exact location is uncertain but is traditionally associated with the area east of Israel.
Teaching Points
Respect for Property and Justice
The act of moving boundary stones is a metaphor for violating justice and property rights. Christians are called to uphold integrity and fairness in all dealings.

Awareness of Injustice
Job's observation of societal wrongs challenges believers to be aware of and address injustices in their communities.

Moral Decay and Accountability
The passage highlights the moral decay in society. Believers should hold themselves and others accountable to God's standards.

Trust in God's Justice
Despite the prevalence of injustice, Christians are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness.

Role of the Community
The community has a role in maintaining justice and protecting the vulnerable from exploitation and theft.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the act of moving boundary stones in Job 24:2 relate to modern-day issues of justice and property rights?

2. In what ways can Christians actively work to prevent and address injustices in their communities, as highlighted in Job 24:2?

3. How do the additional scriptures connected to Job 24:2 reinforce the importance of respecting boundaries and property rights?

4. What are some practical steps believers can take to ensure they are upholding integrity and fairness in their personal and professional lives?

5. How can the church collectively respond to societal injustices, drawing from the teachings in Job 24:2 and related scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 19:14
This verse warns against moving a neighbor's boundary stone, emphasizing the importance of respecting property rights as commanded by God.

Proverbs 22:28
Advises against moving ancient boundary stones, reinforcing the theme of respecting established limits and traditions.

Hosea 5:10
Compares the leaders of Judah to those who move boundary stones, indicating their betrayal and injustice.

Micah 2:1-2
Describes those who covet fields and seize them, similar to the actions condemned in Job 24:2, highlighting societal injustice.
Removing the LandmarksW.F. Adeney Job 24:2
Examples of God's Incomprehensible DealingsE. Johnson Job 24:1-12
Apparent Anomalies in the Divine JudgmentR. Green Job 24:1-22
Consideration for OthersJ. Ruskin.Job 24:1-25
Great Crimes not Always Followed by Great Punishment in This LifeHomilistJob 24:1-25
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Borders, Boundary, Changed, Devour, Drove, Evil, Feed, Flocks, Keepers, Landmarks, Pasture, Reach, Remove, Seize, Stolen, Stones, Thereof, Violently, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 24:2

     4366   stones
     5235   boundary
     5477   property, land
     5555   stealing
     5568   suffering, causes

Job 24:1-4

     5448   poverty, attitudes to
     9210   judgment, God's

Job 24:1-12

     5339   home
     5554   status

Job 24:2-3

     5444   pledges

Job 24:2-4

     5975   violence

Job 24:2-11

     8715   dishonesty, and God

Job 24:2-12

     5972   unkindness

Library
Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on Account of Fornication?
Objection 1: It would seem that the husband can on his own judgment put away his wife on account of fornication. For when sentence has been pronounced by the judge, it is lawful to carry it out without any further judgment. But God, the just Judge, has pronounced this judgment, that a husband may put his wife away on account of fornication. Therefore no further judgment is required for this. Objection 2: Further, it is stated (Mat. 1:19) that Joseph . . . being a just man . . . "was minded to put"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether to be Eternal Belongs to God Alone?
Objection 1: It seems that it does not belong to God alone to be eternal. For it is written that "those who instruct many to justice," shall be "as stars unto perpetual eternities [*Douay: 'for all eternity']" (Dan. 12:3). Now if God alone were eternal, there could not be many eternities. Therefore God alone is not the only eternal. Objection 2: Further, it is written "Depart, ye cursed into eternal [Douay: 'everlasting'] fire" (Mat. 25:41). Therefore God is not the only eternal. Objection 3: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by the Sole Punishment of Fire?
Objection 1: It would seem that in hell the damned are tormented by the sole punishment of fire; because Mat. 25:41, where their condemnation is declared, mention is made of fire only, in the words: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire." Objection 2: Further, even as the punishment of purgatory is due to venial sin, so is the punishment of hell due to mortal sin. Now no other punishment but that of fire is stated to be in purgatory, as appears from the words of 1 Cor. 3:13: "The fire
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members of the Household?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law set forth unsuitable precepts about the members of the household. For a slave "is in every respect his master's property," as the Philosopher states (Polit. i, 2). But that which is a man's property should be his always. Therefore it was unfitting for the Law to command (Ex. 21:2) that slaves should "go out free" in the seventh year. Objection 2: Further, a slave is his master's property, just as an animal, e.g. an ass or an ox. But it is commanded (Dt.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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